Are you looking for a fully funded postdoctoral research grant in Europe, a high-value academic research funding program in Austria, or a career transition grant for postdoctoral researchers? The FWF ASTRA Awards 2026, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), represent one of Europe’s most prestigious and generous research career development programs.
The ASTRA Awards are specifically designed to attract and retain outstanding advanced postdoctoral researchers by supporting long-term, high-impact research projects at Austrian universities and research institutions. With funding ranging from €500,000 to €1,000,000 for up to five years, the program provides a structured pathway toward academic leadership and tenure-track positions.
Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Organization | Austrian Science Fund (FWF) |
| Program Name | FWF ASTRA Awards 2026 |
| Host Country | Austria |
| Degree Level | Postdoctoral / Principal Investigator |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded Research Grant |
| Eligible Applicants | International & Domestic Researchers |
| Funding Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Expected Awards Per Call | Approximately 18 |
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Fields of Research
The FWF ASTRA Awards are open to all academic disciplines, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Medical & Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts-Based Research
The program encourages innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-risk research proposals with strong international relevance.
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Funding & Benefits
The ASTRA Award is among the most competitive and well-funded research grants in Europe.
Financial Support
- €500,000 to €1,000,000 total funding
- Up to 5 years of project duration
- Support for personnel, research costs, and institutional integration
Career Development Benefits
- Structured pathway toward academic leadership
- Institutional integration within Austria’s research ecosystem
- High international visibility
- Competitive research independence
Women-Focused Measures
- 50% of awards reserved for women
- Career coaching and networking support
- Child allowances
- €200,000 tenure package for women awarded a permanent or tenure-track position within the first three years
Merit Awards (For Finalists)
Applicants who reach the jury hearing stage but are not selected may receive a 3-year Principal Investigator project grant worth up to €450,000.
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Eligibility Criteria for FWF ASTRA Awards 2026
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Hold a doctoral degree awarded 2 to 9 years before September 30 of the submission year
Career breaks (e.g., parental leave) may extend eligibility window
Arts-based researchers without a PhD may apply if they have 2–9 years of internationally recognized research experience
Demonstrate independent research capability, including:
- Competitive third-party funding acquisition
- At least 3 months of continuous international research experience
- Publications without involvement of dissertation supervisor
Must not hold a tenured professorship or equivalent permanent leadership role
May apply a maximum of two times in their career
Can lead only one approved ASTRA project
Application must be submitted via an eligible Austrian research institution
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Application Procedure
The FWF ASTRA Awards follow a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process.
Step-by-Step Process
Identify an Austrian university or research institution willing to host your project.
Prepare a competitive research proposal aligned with ASTRA objectives.
Submit your application through the FWF online portal (elane) during the official call period.
Applications undergo international peer review.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a jury hearing.
Final funding decisions are made by the FWF Scientific Board.
The selection process emphasizes scientific excellence, innovation, independence, and leadership potential.
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